Expressing appreciation in relationships carries great weight. As I recognize the good that my spouse does everyday and express it to him, I build a strong foundation for my marriage. He will know that I value him.
Think about something of great value that you want to last for a lifetime.
What do you do?
If you want something to last a lifetime, you treat it differently. You protect it. You don’t abuse it. You don’t expose it to harmful conditions. You don’t make it common. You treat it in an extraordinary way.
It becomes special because you make it special. It grows more beautiful and precious as you cherish it.
Marriage is the same.
I show value to my spouse as I express my appreciation and love every day.
My spouse knows she is special to me and our marriage grows more delightful and remarkable. It will last a lifetime!
Heart of Appreciation
The heart of appreciation is a grateful spirit.
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Colossians 3:16
Would you know who is the greatest saint in the world? It is not he who prays the most or fasts the most, it is not he who lives the most, but it is he who is always thankful to God, who receives everything as an instance of God’s goodness and has a heart always ready to praise God for it. William Law
That heart of appreciation and gratitude starts with gratitude towards a good God. Until I see His goodness and my need, I will have an attitude of expectancy towards Him rather than gratitude. In thanksgiving and praise to God is a heart that appreciates others.
See future posts on elements of appreciation and the opposite of appreciation.
